September 2026 Book Releases
I am so excited about the September 2026 book releases. September is officially fall, which means we can officially dive into the cozy books that fall has to offer. We also have some “blockbuster” books being published in September. While we are not in Halloween mode, we are definitely seeing a lot of thrillers and fantasy this month.
While I declared in January that this is the year of books, September 2026 is the month of pirates. Yes, you read that correctly, pirates. There are two pirate books this month! If you are not quite ready to dive into the September books, you can check out my August 2026 Book Releases.
Why do I make these lists of most anticipated books? When Kirsten and I highlight books we want to read, we hope if gives you some books to add to your TBR. When you request them early at your local library or preorder them from your local bookstore, you help generate buzz. The result? You are helping authors and sending the message that you support the book community!
If you want some in-depth reviews before the books are published, you can check out our Beyond the Bookends Book Club. We host a monthly Zoom meeting where we share our favorite upcoming books with you. We give you the scoop on what to read and what to skip!
The Best September 2026 Book Releases
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
The Best Fiction Book
Under Story by Chloe Benjamin- Jump to Section
Best Historical Fiction Book
Pirate Queen by Ariel Lawhon- Jump to Section
Best Fantasy Book
Witches of Cambridge by Alice Hoffman- Jump to Section
Best Thriller Books
Mother Daughter Sister Stranger by Hank Phillippi Ryan- Jump to Section
Best Mystery Book
Oxford Guide to Scandals and Lies by Kate Westbury Jump to Section
Best Romance Book
If Not You by Ellen O’Clover – Jump to Section
Best Nonfiction Book
Vanishing Family by Robert Kolker –Jump to Section
Best YA Book
Trust Fall by Lynn Painter – Jump to Section
Best Holiday Book
Little Shop of Merry and Bright by Jenny Bayliss- Jump to Section
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
September 2026 Fiction Book Releases
Under Story
Author: Chloe Benjamin
Release Date: September 1, 2026
Genre: Fiction
More info: New York Times Bestselling author of The Immortalists
Plot
Laurel was a biologist who fled her life and her husband to work as a dishwasher in Antarctica. When a strange light appears across the ice, a group of physicists comes to investigate, and Luarel knows her husband will be one of them.
Laurel is convinced that this is a rabbit hole that will allow them to turn back the clock and relive their lives a second time. I cannot wait to read this much-anticipated book from Benjamin
The Three Graces of Pearl Street
Author: Elizabeth Wellington Rollins
Release Date: September 1, 2026
Genre: Fiction
More info: Debut Novel
Plot
Graziella is a 96-year-old former nun who runs the parish’s food kitchen. Her daughter Grace is a psychology professor, and her granddaughter Ella is brilliant, but is having trouble finding where she really belongs. When the Three Graces come back together to live under one roof, they may find out what it means to really be known by somebody else. This is perfect for my list of Books About Mothers and Motherhood.
Taipei Story
Author: R. F. Kuang
Release Date: September 8, 2026
Genre: Fiction
More info: New York Times Bestselling Author of Yellowface
Plot
Lilly Chen is spending her summer in Taipei at an intensive language program. She hopes to connect with her culture. But her classes and roommate are nothing like she thought they would be. Rather than bring her closer to her past, she begins to feel even further away and more like a foreigner in a country she hoped would feel like home. When she finds out her grandfather has passed away, she begins to piece together the stories and memories in an attempt to make a connection. This is perfect for my list of coming-of-age novels. It asks many questions about connecting with family and looking for answers.
Hollow Bones
Author: Jodi Picoult
Release Date: September 15, 2026
Genre: Fiction
More info: Number one New York Times bestselling author
Plot
Molly Fitzgerald lost her mother when she was two months old in the attack on the World Trade Center. Now, she runs the Rhode Island Department of Emergency Preparedness. Her husband, Jesse, is a police polygraph expert who also has a history of crisis of his own. When the unexpected happens, they question everything they knew, even each other. This is a dual timeline narrative that looks at the plans we make to protect ourselves from the worst moments.
Falling for Peachtree Bluff
Author: Kristy Woodson Harvey
Release Date: September 15, 2026
Genre: Fiction
More info: New York Times Bestselling Author Pechtee Bluff Book 5
Plot
Kirsten and I are so excited to read a book by Kristy that is perfect for fall. Harvey is one of our go-to summer authors. Emerson is planning her dream wedding, but it seems like there is too much going on. Sloane, the middle sister, is pregnant, and her dream house has turned into a nightmare.
Caroline, the eldest sister, has started to fall for Emerson’s co-star when her soon-to-be ex-husband decides he wants a second chance. And Ansley, the matriarch, becomes caught in a scandal that seems to be centered around her new husband, Jack. She starts to question if he is who she thought. I cannot wait to jump into this small town!
Hollywood, Ending
Author: John Green
Release Date: September 22, 2026
Genre: Fiction
More info: Bestselling author
Plot
This is a story told through two points of view- Kai and Juniper. They have been cast in a biopic movie, Andy Warhol never gets old. The book follows the two of them from their first days on location to the movie’s premiere while they’re falling in love. But it also shows the contrast to the parts they are portraying on screen. This book will make you think about the private versus public lives of celebrities.
The True Confessions of First Lady Freeman
Author: Deesha Philyaw
Release Date: September 29, 2026
Genre: Historical fiction
Plot
Scharisse Freeman never quite fit in after she married a man 15 years older than her who also happened to be the pastor of a mega church. Her old friends thought she had become too holy and the church members thought her not holy emough.
On her 40th birthday, she is finally invited to participate in the First Lady USA pageant. These first ladies are the pastors’ wives, but are actually just religious mean girls. When a scandal breaks with Schar at the center, her curated life implodes all around her, and secrets from her childhood are revealed.
September 2026 Historical Fiction Book Releases
The Pirate Queen
Author: Ariel Lawhon
Release Date: September 8, 2026
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: New York Times bestselling author of The Frozen River. Inspired by the life of Grace O’Malley.
Plot
Grace O’Malley is the daughter of a powerful chief. Her role is to secure strong alliances and have children. When she is sent to live with a nearby clan, she falls for a second son whom she can never be with. Grace is forced to marry a brutal warrior who outsts her from his lands. This finally allows Grace to return to her first love, the sea. She is leading clan O’Malley with their fleet. When Queen Elizabeth becomes bolder with her incursions into Ireland, Grace defends her land, her ships, and her people. Grace was known as the pirate queen of Ireland, and I’m so excited to read this amazing book.
Our Noble Selves
Author:
Release Date: September 15, 2026
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: #1 International bestselling author of Life After Life
Plot
Harry Flynn has just returned to Britain from Singapore in 1945, and takes a job with the Festival of Britain. It is a government-funded endeavor to create a positive identity for Britain after the Second World War.
When a French woman goes missing, Flynn becomes the primary suspect because he was the last person to see her alive. He has no memory of that evening. He is surrounded by people who have their own agendas and may benefit if he is to blame. I cannot wait to read this September 2026 new release from Atkinson.
The Weight of Angels
Author: Historical Fiction
Release Date: September 29, 2026
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: Reimagining of Oscar Wilde’s Life
Plot
When Oscar Wilde received a card with the words “For Oscar Wilde, posing somdomite”, he sued the Marquess of Queensbury for libel. The result was that he was arrested and sent to prison. In this September 2026 book release, Boyne reimagines what Wilde’s life would have looked like if he had simply ignored the insult. What would his life have looked like?
September 2026 Fantasy/ Sci-fi Books
The Witches of Cambridge
Author: Alice Hoffman
Release Date: September 8, 2026
Genre: Fantasy
More info: Start of a new Series by The Practical Magic Series
Plot
This September 2026 book release is at the top of my TBR pile. Ava, from a small town in Maine arrives at Radcliffe for her first year. There, she meets Lauren who is from a prominent Cambridge family. It is not long before they are both recruited by the Lilith society, a secret society of witches. When girls from the Lilith society begin to go missing, they fear that the famous witch trials may not be as far away as they thought.
Find Similar Books in: Alice Hoffman Books in Order
Tempest
Author: Victoria Aveyard
Release Date: September 8, 2026
Genre: Fantasy
More info: Book 1 of The Lyrian Sea
Plot
Cat Rose was once a noblewoman trapped in a loveless marriage. Now, she is a widow who is the Queen of a pirate Tavern in the Lyrian Sea. The empire gives her a choice. Deliver Valerian Kane, the legendary pirate captain, or risk all the pirates being destroyed. The problem? He is the only man Cat has ever loved.
Big Bad Wolf
Author: Laurie Gilmore
Release Date: September 8, 2026
Genre: Fantasy Romance
More info: Maple Hollow Book 1
Plot
Here is the scoop. If you have read A Curse of Blood and Wolves by Melissa McTernan, you know what this story is about. Laurie and Melissa are the same person. Everything that was dark in ACOBAW has been replaced with the small-town charm we have all come to love Gilmore for. She took the opportunity to think about this Red Riding Hood retelling and rework the story and characters.
I am really looking forward to reading this book. I admit that I read ACOBAW and did not like it. It was too dark for me. This one seems right up my alley. You should also be aware that if you have ACOBAW on your Kindle, it will not be available once this book is published.
The Palace Beneath the Sea
Author: Lauren Wiesebron
Release Date: September 15, 2026
Genre: Fantasy
More info: Mermaid-inspired
Plot
Nolwenn has devoted her life to defending her city of Ys as its lighthouse keeper. When she is attacked by deadly monsters who are trying to destroy the city, she is saved by a mermaid named Morvan. He takes her below Ys, into the ocean, against her will. But as she spends time below, she feels less sure about what she wants and has to decide between her heart and her home.
The Wretched Divine
Author: Adalyn Grace
Release Date: September 22, 2026
Genre: Fantasy
More info: Adult debut from #1 New York Times bestselling Author
Plot
Aurelie Chantelune was raised as a night who slays monsters in the kingdom. She is trying to inherit her legacy by making a soulbond with the angel Yuriel. When she realizes that humans are being turned into monsters, she forms a second bond with Severin, a demon. The three of them must team up to find a cure and turn the demons back into humans, but she will need to make a choice. Will she stand with the angels or risk everything by trusting a demon?
Mestra: A Short Story
Author: Madeline Miller
Release Date: September 29, 2026
Genre: Mythology
More info: #1 New York Times bestselling author
Plot
Mestra, the daughter of King Thessaly, is granted the ability to transform into any being she can imagine by Poseidon. Her father is cursed with insatiable hunger. She wants to help her father, but how much will he take from her? She has to decide if she will keep helping him survive or break free.
The Court of Venus
Author: Bel Banta
Release Date: September 29, 2026
Genre: Romantasy
More info: Deluxe Edition
Plot
Magicians have a place beside kings in Alvion because their abilities are so rare. Magicians are blessed at birth by one of the planets. When Bianca Mortlake is born, she is the first Moonborn mafician in over 1000 years. She spent her childhood training under the realm’s most powerful magician.
When she is summoned back to court, two queens have been executed, and the royal court is in mayhem. The only person Bianca can rely on is Roland, a Venusborn magician. They must rely on each other to save the kingdom from the fate they see in the stars. This is an enemies-to-lovers, slow burn romance with royals, magical tournaments, and a murder mystery. What could be better?
Thrillers for September 2026
Mother Daughter Sister Stranger
Author: Hank Phillippi Ryan
Release Date: September 1, 2026
Genre: Thriller
Plot
Elisa and Bea Ramsey are the sole survivors of a plane crash that killed their parents. On the 11th anniversary of the Accident, Bea is suddenly nowhere to be found. She does not come to get her daughter, Piper, from a sleepover at Elisa’s house. Did Bea plan her disappearance? Eliza and Piper have to work together to find a happy ending and find the person trying to destroy it.
It’s Not What You Think
Author: Clare Mackintosh
Release Date: September 22, 2026
Genre: Thriller
More info: New York Times Bestselling Author
Plot
Nadeeka is certain Jamie is having an affair and is determined to catch him in the act. But when she arrives home to catch and confront him, he is dead. The entire house is a crime scene. From one of my favorite mystery thriller writers comes one of the most anticipated September 2026 book releases.
Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel
Author: Lucy Foley
Release Date: September 22, 2026
Genre: Thriller
More info: Book 1 in the new Miss Marple Series
Plot
This is perfect for my list of Mysteries and Thrillers set at a hotel, but even better because it is Miss Marple, written by the great Lucy Foley. The Grand Alpine Hotel is in the Swiss Alps. It is the perfect place for a holiday until a guest turns up dead, and nobody can leave with a blizzard cutting off an escape. Can Miss Marple find the killer before they choose their next victim?
September 2026 Mysteries
Oxford Guide to Scandals and Lies
Author: Kate Westbury
Release Date: September 1, 2026
Genre: Mystery
More info: Debut Novel
Plot
Ginerva Bishop and Sidney Barithwaite both attend Oxford in 1951. Ginerva wants to prove she is more than a debutant. Sidney is trying to get far away from his childhood mining village and memories of the war. The British Secret Service wants to pair her charm with his spy experience to catch the Soviet spy at the university. The previous agent was poisoned, and MI5 wants the two of them to pair up and find him before sensitive information is sent to the enemy.
We Chase Shadows
Author: Richard Osman
Release Date: September 15, 2026
Genre: Mystery
More info: We Solve Murders Mystery
Plot
Amy, Rosie, and Steve are ready for their first case at We Solve Murders HQ. Their first client seems a little sketchy, but they are happy to take the case anyway. When they start digging, suspects start piling up. The murderer is very good at hiding. The team travels all over once again to catch a killer.
Romance: September 2026 Book Releases
Plot
Mattie is a copywriter at an independent ad agency lying for a promotion. When she is given the opportunity to get a big new account, she knows that this could be her opportunity. The only thing standing in her way is Campbell Porter. He is a senior copyright editor at Chicago’s biggest ad agency and Matte’s rival since their time as interns together.
they are thrown together and a four week trip required to make the pitch. As they start to get to know each other, Mattie realizes the story she made up about Campbell might need a different ending. Might this September 2026 book release be a pick for road trip novels?
Plot
This September 2026 book release had me at cozy Fae romance! We have changelings, Faye, hobgoblins, and forbidden romance. I’m not sure how spicy this one will be, but it seems like a perfect pick for fall.
The Sugar Maple Inn
Author: Laura Bloom
Release Date: September 15, 2026
Genre: Romance
More info: Solace Springs Book #2
Plot
Grace Sullivan wants to buy the historic Inn on Maple Island so she has something of her own. She has an anonymous online mentor who gives her business advice. Reese Spencer is a billionaire who also wants to buy the remote island because there are family secrets buried there. Neither of them knows they have been chatting to the other online for months until they become trapped in the ends honeymoon suite. Will they fight for the inn or fight for something bigger?
Well Versed
Release Date: September 22, 2026
Author: Jen DeLuca
Genre: Romance
More info: Well Met #5
Plot
Caitlin Parker used to love the Willow Creek Renaissance faire until she had her heart broken there when she was 18. Now, she is 24 and unemployed, so she has no choice but to go back to the faire and work. Alexander Wright is the last person she wants to see. When he broke up with her, he thought he was ending a summer fling, but didn’t realize how much he liked her until it was too late. He is determined to fix his mistakes and bring them back together again.
September 2026: Best Nonfiction Book Releases
Plot
Gloria Steinman is one of the world’s most famous feminist icons, and in her new memoir, she shares her early life and her journey to becoming the woman we all know. She talks about decades of activism and setbacks and reflects on victories, one for women and human rights. This is the memoir we all need to read in 2026.
The Vanishing Family
Author: Robert Kolker
Release Date:
Genre: Nonfiction
More info: New York Times bestselling author of Hidden Valley Road
Plot
Robert Kolker is the author of Hidden Valley Road, which was the story of one family and schizophrenia. In this book, Kolker looks at one family and their fight against frontotemporal dementia (FTD). The family has a genetic mutation in which there’s a 50-50 chance the children will have this form of dementia as well. Barb, the youngest of the nine children, watched as her mother became someone she didn’t know in her 40s. Slowly, four of her siblings begin to change as well. Koler’s writing is captivating. This is a must-read pick from the September 2026 book release.
YA September 2026 Book Releases
Trust Fall
Author: Lynn Painter
Release Date: September 29, 2026
Genre: YA Rom Com
More info: #1 New York Times bestselling author
Plot
When Julia’s next-door neighbor passes away, she learns he is a secret multimillionaire who has left everything to her and her family. Soon after, Julia moves to New York City to attend an elite private school. But what should be an amazing opportunity turns into a nightmare when Julia doesn’t fit in and is failing her classes. Damion says that he will tutor her, but he has an ulterior motive. His great uncle was the man who left everything to Julia, and he is determined to figure out why. As they get to know each other, they start to see past their differences, and sparks fly.
September 2026 Holiday Books
The Little Shop of Merry and Bright
Author: Jenny Bayliss
Release Date: September 22, 2026
Genre: Christmas Romance
More info: A Contemporary Christmas Carol Retelling
Plot
When Casey declined her boyfriend’s marriage proposal three years ago, she never dreamed that it would go viral, and she would still be dealing with the backlash years later. Now, she has chosen a job with no potential for humiliation. But there is no potential for a boyfriend either.
When Casey meets Margo, the spirit of Christmas present, they make a bargain. Margo will use her powers to erase the video, but Casey must witness five alternate realities first. If she still wants the video erased, Margo will do it. Casey will have to decide what she really wants from life.
Christmas at Honeycomb Bay
Author: Lilac Mills
Release Date: September 29, 2026
Genre: Christmas Romance
Plot
Ok. I love a great Christmas romance. This one fills all the cups with a small-town, later-in-life, forced-proximity holiday situation. Eloise needs to get away for the holidays because they are always so lonely for her. Bartholomew has not opened his guest house to visitors since his wife passed away.
When Eloise contacts him about renting his guest house, she assures him that she dislikes Christmas as much as he does. When Bart is forced to give shelter to a single mom and a child whose holiday has been devastated by a fire, Eloise finds herself playing the role of Mrs. Claus to Bart’s Santa. But the more they get into their roles, the more they realize its not so bad to have some Christmas spirit. Sometimes the best way to escape Christmas is to open your heart.
A Curse for Christmas Past
Author: Morgan Lockhart
Release Date: September 22, 2026
Genre: Christmas Romance
Plot
Hayleigh has been cursed, and the only way she can think to break it is by going to Elk Ridge, Washington, for the winter festival with a clan of witches. There, she bumps into Stephan Midwinter, who offers to help break the curse. As Hayleigh and Stephan face holiday spirits and being snowed into a B&B together, there might be a few sparks. Will Hayleigh be able to find holiday magic? Where will the curse continue?
The Twelve Loves of Christmas
Author: Alexandria Bellefleur, Elise Bryant, and more
Release Date: September 29, 2026
Genre: Advent Romance Short Story Collection
More info: Twelve Holiday Love Stories
Plot
This is a Christmas advent calendar and should be on everyone’s list for the holiday. There are twelve SEALED love stories from favorite authors like Sarah Hogle. There is a forced proximity, second chance romance, and more.
Snowed Inn
Author: Valerie Bowman
Release Date: September 29, 2026
Genre: Holiday Romance
More info: Honeycrips Orchard Romance #2
Plot
When publicist Maria is snowed into the Honeycrisp Orchard Inn over the holidays, the last thing she wants is her nemesis, Jesse, to be stuck there with her. But with the holidays around the corner and small town festivities all around, Maria might find hot chocolate, snow drifts, and romance where she least expects it.
More September 2026 Book Releases
Expert Tip
Looking through books can be daunting if you are trying to add some books to your TBR. Remember that this list of the most anticipated September 2026 book releases is for fun. You may add books to your TBR stack and never read them. That is OK! I have two tips to help narrow down the choices for you.
- If you do not want to look through all the descriptions, I selected a top pick from each genre. I narrowed it down for you!
- If you have a favorite genre that you like to read, head over to that section and pick from those books.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most anticipated books from the September 2026 book releases?
There are so many great books coming out in September 2026. These are just a few that Kirsten and I cannot wait to read.
1. Vanishing Family by Robert Kolker
2. Under Story by Chloe Bejamin
3. Pirate Queen by Ariel Lawhon
4. Witches of Cambridge by Alice Hoffman
Epilogue
Which September 2026 book releases are you most looking forward to reading?
